Helping each other master the art of a senior life.

Have you ever a faced a classroom of children? Of teenagers? Of adults? Among the good and less good days, among the feelings of victory and defeat, among the challenges posed by various administrators who helped or presented hurdles, what was the overriding feeling of being in the position of teacher? Whether this has been your personal experience or not, you know what you think about the current possibility in our public schools: arming teachers. However you feel about it, this is no time for silence. What do you think and why? Just click right here and tell us!

I am deeply concerned to see that our country has taken yet another giant step backward. Education is intended to help us advance civilization through knowledge, problem solving, reasoning and values clarification. We have sold the best of our nature to this madness called politics. The only classroom where firearms are appropriate is the training centers for law enforcement officers. The teachers and other adults in our schools are meant to be role models. What is the model we want our students to aspire to?

Here’s an idea: have politicians use their NRA contributions to reinforce the safety of our school buildings. Think how much it would help to retrofit schools with internal camera systems, armored window glass and safe vestibule entrances. Banks do it. High end jewelry stores do it. Are currency and jewels more precious than our students and teachers and staff?

This is America and we are Americans. Let’s fight back to the foundations upon which this great experiment began!

As a retired Guidance Counselor I am appalled at the thought of teachers being armed with guns in the schools. Much of what the counselors do is teach students to be less aggressive with each other, to have tolerance and understanding of others, and to know that they can make a difference in their world by working to end the negativity in their lives. The thought of our students thinking it is normal and alright for the people who provide their support system to also carry deadly weapons gives out a serious mixed message. There’s a place for guns but it’s not in the hands of those whose job it is to provide mental expansion, not fear of weapons.

Having been a teacher for close to 60 years (retired last May), I feel that as busy as most of us are: planning, grading, keeping up with what’s current, counseling students much of the time, we do not need to spend money on guns and the very necessary training that would be needed. No guns in the classroom!!

I can’t believe we are having this conversation. I taught kindergarten and my job was to help children learn. My way was joyful. in fact I wrote a book about just that: Joyful Learning in Kindergarten. Now, more than ever, teachers must keep joy in the classroom. Sure can’t be done with a gun nearby.

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